Bunions aren’t the sexiest topic of conversation, but the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) reports that about 6% of the population has the condition. That’s roughly 2.5 million people who experience pain, discomfort, and have issues wearing certain types of footwear because of it.
For the uninitiated, a bunion is a deformity where the big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint) becomes enlarged and misaligned. Of course, you’re not a part of the uninitiated, as you have arrived here after searching for information on physiotherapy / physical therapy for bunions. Below is a breakdown of what you need to know and what can be done to ease the pain and discomfort.
Why You Have Bunions and Why Our Physiotherapy Clinic is Where to Come for Help
Causes of Bunions
Some people blame footwear for the development of bunions. While footwear can certainly exasperate the condition, it’s not directly to blame. The causes of bunions include the following:
- Genetics: You can blame the folks, as for most people bunions tend to run the family. Certain foot shapes, such as flat feet or excessively flexible joints, can make someone more susceptible to bunions. How the foot functions during walking and weight-bearing (your gait) can also be inherited. Meanwhile, hereditary abnormal foot mechanics can put extra stress on the big toe joint, leading to bunion formation.
- Acute injury: Any sort of foot injury, such as a broken big toe bone or tear in supporting tendons, can cause and/or contribute to bunions.
- Pregnancy: A bun in the oven can cause bunions! The hormone relaxin, which is released during pregnancy, loosens ligaments throughout the body, including those in the feet. This can potentially cause the bones to shift out of their normal alignment. Moreover, the added weight increases pressure on the feet which further aggravates these structural changes and increases the risk of bunions.
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Rheumatoid arthritis: When the joints in the feet are inflamed due to arthritis, the tendons and ligaments surrounding them become weakened, leading to a loss of structural integrity and instability. This can cause the big toe joint to shift and contribute to the formation of bunions.
Can Bunion Size be Reduced?
The enlargement and misalignment cannot be shrunk or reversed without surgery. Physiotherapy / physical therapy for bunions is not about aesthetics, but treatment of pain, discomfort, and malfunction that you’re experiencing. That being said, you may notice a slight improvement in appearance as treatments can help reduce inflammation.
How Physiotherapy Helps Treat Bunions
Residents of Burnaby and Greater Vancouver BC seeking relief for bunions come to Absolute PhysioCare. A number of treatments can be employed to correct pain and discomfort associated with bunions. Further, physiotherapy treatments for bunions will improve toe alignment, strengthen foot and ankle muscles, and enhance balance and gait.
These treatments include the following:
- Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness and restore proper alignment of the big toe and surrounding tissues.
- Exercise therapy: Exercises like toe stretches, curls, circles, and ball rolls can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Meanwhile,. strengthening exercises such physiotherapist-guided heel raises and toe raises will also play a role in supporting the arch and reducing pressure on bunions.
- Gait training: This treatment focuses on improving walking patterns and strengthening the muscles that support the foot and ankle, reducing pain, improving mobility, and potentially slowing down the progression of bunions. Early intervention is the key!
- Custom orthotics: Your physiotherapist may prescribe orthotics, such as toe spacers or arch supports, to help support the foot and reduce pressure on your bunions.
*Those who get surgery to reduce the size of bunions also benefit from physiotherapy. Early post-surgical physiotherapy will help you (as applicable) regain range of motion, strength, and function after bunion surgery. As healing progresses, treatments will include more advanced exercises to strengthen your foot and ankle muscles, improve balance and gait, and help you return to normal activities.
Get Help for Your Bunions Today!
(Burnaby and Vancouver residents)